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Gareth Bale

Gareth Frank Bale (born 16 July 1989) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a winger for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Wales national team. Renowned for his ball striking from distance, swerving free kicks, and his ability to get past defenders with pace, Bale has received plaudits from his peers, who have described him as a footballer with "tremendous speed, great crossing ability, a great left foot and exceptional physical qualities". He began his professional career at Southampton, playing at left-back and earning acclaim as a free kick specialist. Bale moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2007, for an eventual £7 million fee. During his time at Tottenham, managerial and tactical shifts saw him transform into a more attacking player. From the 2009–10 season, under the guidance of Harry Redknapp, Bale became an integral part of the team, rising to international attention during the 2010–11 UEFA Champions League. In 2011 and 2013 he was named PFA Players' Player of the Year, and was named in the UEFA Team of the Year. In 2013, he was also named PFA Young Player of the Year, the FWA Footballer of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season. He was nominated to the PFA Team of the Year three times in a row between 2011 and 2013.

* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league onlyand correct as of 13:03, 17 February 2019 (UTC)‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 20 November 2018

Gareth Frank Bale (born 16 July 1989) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a winger for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Wales national team. Renowned for his ball striking from distance, swervingfree kicks, and his ability to get past defenders with pace, Bale has received plaudits from his peers, who have described him as a footballer with "tremendous speed, great crossing ability, a great left foot and exceptional physical qualities".

On 1 September 2013, Bale was transferred to Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee. Press at the time reported the transfer value at figures between €91million and €100million. In January 2016, documents pertaining to the transfer were leaked which confirmed a then-world record transfer fee of €100.8million, eclipsing the previous record fee of £80million (€94million) the club paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. Bale played an integral role in his first season at Real Madrid, helping the club to win the 2013–14 Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League, scoring in both finals. The following season, he won the UEFA Super Cup and scored in a third major final to help the club win the FIFA Club World Cup. Two years later, he was a key player in another Champions League run, winning the 2015–16 title and being elected to the UEFA Squad of the Season. He was also a finalist in the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award. In 2016, ESPN ranked Bale twelfth on its list of the world's most famous athletes.

Bale made his senior international debut for Wales in May 2006, becoming the youngest player at that point to represent the nation. He has since earned over 70 caps and scored 31 international goals, making him Wales' highest scorer of all time. He was the top goalscorer for Wales in their successful qualifying campaign for UEFA Euro 2016, scoring seven goals; he subsequently represented his nation in the final tournament as they reached the semi-finals, scoring three goals. He has been named Welsh Footballer of the Year a record six times.

Bale attended Whitchurch High School in Cardiff.[7] He was a keen athlete; he played football alongside future Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton,[8] rugby, hockey and excelled at athletics.[9] As a 14-year-old he says that he ran the 100-metre sprint in 11.4 seconds.[6] Because of his superior footballing skill, the school's PE teacher, Gwyn Morris, had to write special rules which restricted Bale to playing one-touch football and not using his left foot.[8] Whilst at Whitchurch, Bale trained at Southampton's satellite academy in Bath, although there was initially some doubt if Southampton would give him a scholarship due to his height.[citation needed]

Despite being only 16 at the time, he helped the school's under-18 side win the Cardiff & Vale Senior Cup. He left school in the summer of 2005 with a Grade A in PE amongst his other GCSE results. In his final year at school, he was awarded the PE department's prize for services to sport. In the presentation, Morris commented:

"Gareth has a fierce determination to succeed and has the character and qualities to achieve his personal goals. He is one of the most unselfish individuals that I have had the pleasure to help educate."[10]

Club career

Southampton

On 17 April 2006, at the age of 16 years and 275 days, Bale became the second youngest player ever to play for Southampton (after Theo Walcott, who was 132 days younger) when he made his debut in the Saints' 2–0 victory against Millwall. On 6 August, Bale scored his first league goal, a free kick, to level the score at 1–1 against Derby County. The final score at Pride Park was 2–2.[11]

In December 2006, he won the Carwyn James Award for the BBC Wales Young Sports Personality of the Year,[17] and was named the Football League Young Player of the Year on 4 March 2007.[18] This capped what was described in the local press as an "incredible" first full season as a professional footballer in which he was one of the Saints' "most creative players even (though operating) from the left-back position whilst his defending improved immeasurably as the season progressed."[19]

His final game for Southampton was in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final against Derby County on 12 May 2007. Bale suffered an injury during the second half, preventing him from appearing in the second leg.[20][21] In total, he made 45 appearances for Southampton, scoring five goals.[22]

Tottenham Hotspur

On 25 May 2007, Bale signed a four-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur with the club paying an initial £5million for the player, potentially rising to £10million based on appearances and success.[23]

2007–09

Bale in Spurs' line-up before a Premier League match against Chelsea

Bale played his first game for Spurs in a friendly against St. Patrick's Athletic on 12 July 2007, but was substituted on the 80th minute with a minor dead leg. He made his competitive debut for Tottenham Hotspur on 26 August away against Manchester United.[24] On 1 September 2007, in his second Spurs appearance, he scored his first goal for the club in a 3–3 draw with Fulham.[25] Bale went on to score against Arsenal in the North London derby from a free kick.[26] He then scored in the League Cup home tie against Middlesbrough,[27] to make it three goals in four starts for the then 18-year-old.

On 2 December 2007, Bale was substituted after sustaining an injury resulting from a tackle from Fabrice Muamba in the league fixture against Birmingham City. A scan revealed that Bale had suffered ligament damage to his right ankle, consigning him to an extended period on the sidelines. Bale had exploratory surgery on 11 December.[28] By February 2008, it became clear that Bale was to miss the rest of the season through injury.[29] Sporting Director of Tottenham, Damien Comolli said, "Even if the examination reveals that Gareth's foot is stable, the decision has been taken to bring him back slowly to ensure he does not get a repeat of the injury or suffer any further damage. Gareth is obviously disappointed to be sidelined for this length of time but he is still young and we have to do what is best for him in the long run."[28] Bale did return towards the end of the 2008–09 season and even took part in the League Cup final against Manchester United. Bale came off the bench in the 98th minute in extra time with the final result deadlocked at 0–0 resulting in a penalty shoot-out that ended 4–1 to Manchester United.[30]

Bale signed a new four-year deal with the club in August 2008.[31] After a series of injuries, Bale did not play for the rest of the season and his left-back position was filled by Benoît Assou-Ekotto who remained first-choice until the next African Cup of Nations.[32]

2009–10

In June 2009, Bale underwent surgery for a knee injury, ruling him out for over two months. He missed pre-season matches and it was projected that he would miss the first few weeks of the 2009–10 season.[33] On 26 September, he made his comeback as an 85th-minute substitute in Tottenham's 5–0 win over Burnley. This was Bale's first ever involvement in a Premier League win, after not being on the winning side since the Southampton move.[34] However, he struggled to break into the first team, in part thanks to Assou-Ekotto's good form. When Assou-Ekotto was sidelined with an injury, manager Harry Redknapp decided to give Bale a chance and he impressed in Spurs' FA Cup third-round 4–0 win over Peterborough United.[35] His first victory as a starter in a league game came in the 2–0 win over London rivals Fulham on 26 January 2010.[36]

Bale's good form continued and he was named Player of the Round after helping Spurs to a 3–1 win in the sixth round replay of the FA Cup against Fulham.[37] In April 2010, Bale scored the winning goal in a 2–1 North London derby win against Arsenal, tapping past Manuel Almunia, after a pass from Jermain Defoe.[38] Three days later, Bale scored Tottenham's winning goal with his weaker right foot in a 2–1 victory over league leaders and eventual championsChelsea and was named Man of the Match.[39] He was named Premier League Player of the Month for April 2010.[40] He signed a new four-year contract at White Hart Lane on 7 May 2010, as a reward for helping the club reaching a Champions League qualification place.[41]

2010–11

On 21 August 2010, Bale scored twice in a 2–1 win at Stoke City, the second of which was a head-high volley into the top right hand corner of the goal.[42] This was later awarded Goal of the Month for August 2010 by the BBC. On 25 August, Bale set up all four goals to help Spurs overcome Young Boys 4–0 (6–3 agg.) in a Champions League play-off at White Hart Lane.[43] Although Assou-Ekotto had already returned from injury, Bale continued his good form and cemented his place in the starting eleven, with his manager opting him to move to left wing to accommodate Assou-Ekotto at left-back.[44] On 29 September, Bale scored his first Champions League goal for Tottenham in a 4–1 home win against Dutch champions Twente in their second game of the group stages.[45] For his performances, he was named Welsh Player of the Year by the Football Association of Wales (FAW).[46]

On 4 November, Bale stated that he intended to remain at Tottenham for the remainder of his recently signed four-year contract, despite reported interest from other clubs,[44] then, in December, he was awarded the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year trophy.[49] On 19 March 2011, it was announced he would then extended his stay at the club until 2015.[50] On 17 April, Bale was honoured with the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, as voted for by his peers.[51]

2011–12

Bale scored his first goal of the season on 24 September 2011, in an away game against Wigan Athletic. The game ended in a 2–1 victory for Tottenham.[55] He added his second and third goals of the season on 30 October with two goals against Queens Park Rangers in a 3–1 home win.[56] He continued his good form with the first goal in a 3–1 victory over Fulham the following week, whilst also setting up Aaron Lennon who made it 2–0 on the stroke of half time.[57] The first goal against Fulham was later ruled by the "dubious goals committee" to be an own goal by Chris Baird.[58]

Bale playing for Tottenham Hotspur in 2011

On 3 December, Bale scored the first goal in Tottenham's 3–0 victory over Bolton Wanderers. He marked the goal with a tribute to Gary Speed by holding up his left boot, with "R.I.P Gary Speed" stitched on it, in front of the Bolton fans.[59] On 27 December, Bale scored twice to give Tottenham a 2–0 win against Norwich City.[60] On 5 January 2012, Bale was one of the players voted into the 2011 UEFA Team of the Year. He scored his third brace of the season as he scored twice against Wigan, on 31 January to take his tally to ten goals for the season.[61] In January 2012, he was named Premier League Player of the Month for the second time in his career, after three goals and two assists in the Premier League for the month.[62]

On 27 June, Bale signed a new four-year contract, committing his future to the club until 2016.[63]

2012–13

For the 2012–13 season, Bale changed his squad number from 3 to 11 as he was "not a left-back anymore" and had asked the club for a "higher number".[64][65] On 16 September 2012, Bale scored his first goal of the season against Reading in a 3–1 away victory.[66] On 29 September, Bale scored the second goal in Tottenham's 3–2 away victory over Manchester United, their first win at Old Trafford since 1989.[67]

He scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4–0 away win on Boxing Day against Aston Villa.[68] On 5 January 2013, Bale scored in the FA Cup third round fixture against Coventry City as well as assisting Clint Dempsey on both of his goals in a 3–0 win.[69] On 30 January, Bale scored a magnificent solo effort in the 1–1 draw with Norwich City.[70] Bale then scored against West Bromwich Albion in a 1–0 away win on 3 February.[71] Bale then took his goal tally of the season to 15 goals with a brace against Newcastle United in a match which Spurs won 2–1. This took Spurs into third place, and strengthened their Champions League ambitions.[72]

In Bale's next game, he scored directly from two free kicks, one from 35 yards out just before half time and another from 25 yards out in the dying seconds of injury time, to give Tottenham a 2–1 victory over Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie on 14 February. This took Bale to a tally of ten goals in his previous ten appearances.[73] In Tottenham's Premier League match against West Ham on 25 February, Bale scored the first and third in a 3–2 win for Tottenham. His second, a long range dipping strike from over 30 yards, in the dying stages of the game, capped a world class performance. This was his eighth goal in six games.[74]

On 3 March, Bale scored against Arsenal in a North London derby that Tottenham won 2–1.[75] On 7 March, Tottenham faced Inter Milan in the Europa League, with Bale scoring the opening goal and Tottenham winning 3–0.[76] Bale's run of good form in the early months of 2013 saw him win Premier League Player of the Month for February[77] as well as the BBC's Goal of the Month in both January and February for his strikes against Norwich City and West Ham United respectively.[78] On 4 April, Bale injured his right ankle in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Basel.[79] On his return from injury, Bale scored a goal and assisted Clint Dempsey as Tottenham beat Manchester City at White Hart Lane.[80]

On 28 April, Bale won both the PFA Players' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year after his excellent showing in the 2012–13 season.[81] A week later, on 2 May 2013, he added the FWA Footballer of the Year Award from the Football Writers' Association, making Bale one of only two players who have won all three in the same season – the other being Cristiano Ronaldo, who won them in 2007.[82] Bale scored the winning goal against his former club Southampton on 4 May. The goal gave Spurs a 1–0 win as well as being Bale's 20th in the Premier League in his 200th appearance for Spurs. On 19 May, Bale scored a 90th-minute goal from 25 yards out. This goal gave Spurs a 1–0 win over Sunderland, but was not enough to give them Champions League football for the following season.[83]

Real Madrid

Bale at his Real Madrid unveiling in September 2013

On 1 September 2013, Spanish club Real Madrid announced that they had reached an agreement for the transfer of Bale,[84] signing a six-year deal in a then world record deal.[85] The Spanish press (and Real Madrid TV) reported that Bale had cost £77million (€91million), while the British press reported a world record transfer fee of £85.3million (€100million), which would be above Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer record fee of £80million (€94million).[86][87][88] However, in January 2016, documents pertaining to the transfer were leaked by Football Leaks which confirmed a world record transfer fee of €100.8million (£85.1million).[89] Bale's record was surpassed in August 2016 by Paul Pogba's record fee of €105million (£89.2million).[90] Bale was assigned the number 11 shirt at Madrid.[91]

2013–14

The first half of Bale's season was plagued by injuries; of Real's first 16 games after his signing, Bale missed five and was substituted on or off in six others, playing only five full games.[92][93] Bale scored on his Real Madrid debut, a goal coming in the 38th minute against Villarreal, before being substituted later in the game for Ángel Di María.[94] Bale's second appearance for Madrid came in a 6–1 victory over Galatasaray in the Champions League. Although Bale only played the final 26 minutes, his free kick led to Cristiano Ronaldo's second goal of the game.[95] On 28 September 2013, Bale made his home debut as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 loss to local rivals Atlético Madrid.[96]

Following a brief appearance against Juventus in the Champions League,[97] Bale made his El Clásico debut on 26 October, but was substituted in the 61st minute. Barcelona won the game 2–1, and Bale's performance drew some media criticism.[98] Four days later, he scored two goals and assisted two in a 7–3 victory against Sevilla. Following his impressive performance the Spanish press nicknamed Bale "The Cannon".[99]

In November, he assisted a further two goals in Madrid's 3–2 victory over Rayo Vallecano,[100] before scoring in a 2–2 draw with Juventus in the Champions League.[101] He then scored a 25-yard free kick against Galatasaray in the Champions League, a match which Madrid won 4–1 despite being a man down.[102] On 30 November, Bale rounded off the month with his first hat-trick for Real Madrid, as well as assisting Karim Benzema, in a 4–0 victory over Real Valladolid. It was a "perfect hat-trick": one goal with a header and one with each foot.[103]

On 26 February 2014, he scored twice in Real Madrid's 6–1 win against Schalke 04 in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.[104] He then scored one of the team's three goals in a 3–0 quarter-final defeat of Borussia Dortmund on 2 April, taking him to five Champions League goals for the season.[105] In La Liga, he scored four goals in three matches between gameweeks 31 and 33, as Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano (5–0),[106]Real Sociedad (4–0)[107] and Almería (4–0).[108]

"It is difficult to see a player sprint like that at that stage of the game."

On 16 April, Bale scored the winning goal for Real Madrid with five minutes remaining in the 2014 Copa del Rey Final against rivals Barcelona.[110] Considered one of the best goals of his career, Bale outsprinted Barcelona defender Marc Bartra from the halfway line (with Bale running off the field at one point) before converting past goalkeeper José Manuel Pinto.[110] In the post match interview Bale stated, "I had to get round the player and go off the pitch to do it", while his Real Madrid teammate Xabi Alonso commented, "It was incredible, I have never seen anything like it".[109] The goal was Bale's 20th of the season and his first in a Clásico fixture.[109]

On 24 May, Bale scored in the 110th minute of the extra time period to put Real Madrid 2–1 up against city rivals Atlético Madrid in the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final, as Los Blancos won their tenth European Cup.[111] The goal made Bale the first Welshman to score a goal in a European Cup/Champions League final.[112] Bale finished his debut season with 22 goals and 16 assists in all competitions.[113] Real Madrid's attacking trio of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano, dubbed the BBC, finished the season with 97 goals.[114]

In December 2014, Bale scored in a third major final, the second goal in a 2–0 win over San Lorenzo, to help the club win the FIFA Club World Cup.[120] In a match against Espanyol on 10 January 2015, Bale was booed by a section of Madrid fans who adjudged him as being selfish in shooting for goal and not passing to Ronaldo.[121] Bale was defended by Carlo Ancelotti over this plus difficulties at the end of the season.[122] On 18 April, Bale sustained a calf injury against Málaga.[123]

2015–16

Bale during the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League campaign

Bale scored twice in Real's win over Real Betis in September 2015.[114] His two goals took the total number of goals of Madrid's attacking trio of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo to 200 goals since they first played together in 2013.[114]

On 20 December 2015, he scored four goals in a 10–2 victory over Rayo Vallecano.[124] On 9 January 2016, Bale scored his second hat-trick of the season in Madrid's 5–0 defeat of Deportivo La Coruña in Zinedine Zidane's first match as head coach of Los Blancos.[125] After being sidelined since 19 January, due to a calf injury he sustained in a 5–1 league victory at home against Sporting Gijón, during which he had also scored the opening goal of the match,[126][127] Bale returned to the pitch on 5 March; he made a substitute appearance in Real Madrid's 7–1 home win over Celta de Vigo, scoring Real Madrid's final goal of the match.[128]

On 20 March 2016, Bale scored his 43rd La Liga goal in a 4–0 defeat of Sevilla to surpass Gary Lineker as the highest scoring British player in the competition's history.[129] On 23 April, Bale scored twice as Real Madrid came from 0–2 down to win 3–2 at Rayo Vallecano.[130] Bale was a regular starter when the team won the 2015–16 UEFA Champions League. He assisted the team's only goal and went on to score in the penalty shoot-out win over Atlético Madrid in the final.[131]

2016–17

On 30 October 2016, Bale signed a new contract with Madrid until 2022.[132] On 22 November 2016, Bale damaged his ankle tendons during the 2–1 victory at Sporting CP that would rule him out for up to four months.[133] On 23 April, Bale made his 100th appearance in La Liga in a 3–2 home defeat to Barcelona, but was forced off after sustaining an injury.[134]

2017–18

The 2017–18 season saw some improvement in the Bale's goalscoring record across the league, cup competitions and in the Champions League. He featured in Real Madrid's victories in both the 2017 UEFA Super Cup[138] and the 2017 Supercopa de España,[139] and he also featured in the club's victorious 2017 FIFA Club World Cup campaign, winning a third trophy before 2018 had even begun.[140] In La Liga, he made 26 appearances and scoring 16 goals but Real Madrid were unable to reclaim the title, finishing in third.[141]

2018–19

Following the break-up of the BBC trifecta with Ronaldo's transfer to Juventus, and the replacement of Zidane by new manager Julen Lopetegui,[146] Bale was ever-present during August 2018, and was awarded Cinco Estrellas Mahou for the Real Madrid Player of the Month, scoring against Getafe and Girona along the way.[147]

On 9 February 2019, Bale scored his 100th goal for Real Madrid after scoring the team’s third goal as a substitute in a 3–1 away win over cross-city rivals Atlético Madrid;[153] however, he was also the source of controversy in the media following the match, due to the "provocative" goal celebration that he made towards the opposition fans.[154]

International career

Wales

Bale playing for Wales in a qualifying match against Austria in October 2016

Bale was selected by Wales at the end of the 2005–06 season for a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on 27 May 2006.[155] In the match in Graz, Austria, he replaced David Vaughan after 55 minutes and assisted Robert Earnshaw's winning goal in a 2–1 victory.[156] At 16 years and 315 days, Bale became the youngest player to play for Wales, breaking a record held by Lewin Nyatanga who set that three months earlier; this record was itself superseded by Harry Wilson in November 2012.[157]

Wales youth guru Brian Flynn commented that Bale was potentially a future star of the game, comparing his technical ability to that of Ryan Giggs.[158] On 7 October 2006, Bale became the youngest player ever to score a goal for the senior national team in the Euro 2008 qualification match against Slovakia with a free kick.[159] Bale was eligible to play for England through his grandmother, but he stated in 2016: "I wouldn't care if I never qualified – I would never play for England."[160]

In December 2010, Bale was awarded the BBC Cymru Sports Personality of the Year trophy.[163] On 12 October 2012, Bale scored both goals for Wales in a 2–1 victory over Scotland in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.[164]

Euro 2016 campaign

Bale with Ashley Williams (left) at the special homecoming event in Cardiff. With thousands of supporters observing, Bale described the event as "very special" in a BBC interview.[165]

On 9 September 2014, Bale scored two goals, one with a header and another with a free kick, as Wales beat Andorra 2–1 in their first match of the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.[166] In doing so, he became Wales' joint 10th all-time top-scorer with 14 goals, alongside John Hartson.[167] Bale scored two goals on 28 March 2015, in a 3–0 win away in Israel.[168] On 12 June, his 50th cap, he scored the only goal to defeat Belgium in a home qualifier, taking Wales above the Belgians to the top of Group B.[169] He headed Jazz Richards' cross on 3 September in a 1–0 away win over Cyprus, putting Wales three points away from qualification.[170] With qualification to UEFA Euro 2016 achieved (the country's first major finals since the 1958 FIFA World Cup), on 13 October 2015, Bale scored his seventh goal of the qualifying campaign in Wales' final qualifier against Andorra at the Cardiff City Stadium.[171]

Bale on the open top bus (second from left) at the Welsh squad's homecoming in Cardiff after the Euro 2016 campaign

On 11 June, Bale scored the first goal in Wales' clash with Slovakia in their opening game of UEFA Euro 2016 from a free kick, helping his country secure a 2–1 win and, in the process, lead them to their first win in a tournament in 58 years.[172] His goal saw him become the first Welsh player to score at a major international tournament since Terry Medwin's goal against Hungary at the 1958 FIFA World Cup.[173] He then followed this up by scoring another opening free kick goal against England in the second group game, though Wales went on to lose the game 2–1; this made Bale the first player to score two free kicks at a European Championship since Germany's Thomas Häßler in 1992.[174] Bale scored his third goal of the tournament in a 3–0 win over Russia, making him their all-time top goalscorer in major tournaments, ahead of Ivor Allchurch who scored twice in the 1958 World Cup; he also helped to create the second goal of the match, which was scored by Neil Taylor.[175] In the last 16 against Northern Ireland at the Parc des Princes, Bale sent in the cross from which Gareth McAuley scored an own goal to give the Welsh victory.[176] Wales were eliminated following a 2–0 defeat to eventual champions Portugal in the semi-final of the tournament on 6 July.[177]

On 5 September 2016, Bale scored twice in a 4–0 win over Moldova in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification game. This brought him to 24 international goals, surpassing both Ivor Allchurch and Trevor Ford, and behind only Ian Rush's 28.[178] On 22 March 2018, with 29 goals, Bale became Wales' all-time top-scorer surpassing Ian Rush's 28, thanks to his first hat-trick in his international career in a 2018 China Cup match against China.[179][180]

Great Britain

Bale, who met the age criteria to play in the 2012 London Olympics, said in May 2011 "I want to play in the Olympics" for the Great Britain Olympic football team, in defiance of the FAW.[181] On 28 October 2011, Bale became the first player to be photographed modelling the British 2012 London Olympics football supporters' shirt. In response, FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford said: "Our position remains unchanged. We are not for Team GB. Gareth can make his own choices and make his own decisions. But we are not going to stop anyone playing." On behalf of Bale a spokesman said "while he is 100% Welsh, he is also British".[182]

At the end of June 2012, Bale pulled out of the tournament with a back injury. On 29 June, he advised the Team GB football manager, Stuart Pearce, that he would not be available for selection as he had aggravated an old back and hip injury during a training run. In view of the short recovery time between the end of the Olympics and the start of the Premier League season, Bale had decided to withdraw rather than exacerbate the problem.[183][184] Bale recovered from his injury in good time to be included on Spurs' pre-season tour of the United States, scoring against LA Galaxy on 24 July[185][186] and against New York Red Bulls a week later.[187] Between these matches, Bale also played against Liverpool when he was injured in a tackle by Charlie Adam.[188]

Tottenham released a statement in relation to Bale's non-selection for Team GB, they stated that "Gareth sustained an injury as he built up his fitness ahead of joining up with Stuart Pearce's side. MRI scan reports were sent to the FA medical team on 29 June 2012. He was subsequently not selected on the basis of this injury and the inability to predict recovery time. This decision was not taken lightly and made only after consultation with Team GB's medical team, who were in agreement after seeing the medical reports".[192]

Style of play

Bale taking on an Atlético Madrid defender in September 2013

One of the fastest footballers in the world,[193] Bale started out as an offensive left-back or wing-back at the beginning of his career.[194] It was at Tottenham Hotspur that his manager Harry Redknapp decided to utilise Bale's pace and played him as a left-winger, where he developed into a world class player.[195] He is known for his physical fitness, pace, strength, stamina, skill, heading ability, and agility, with a capacity to regularly get past defenders due to his acceleration, physicality, and athleticism.[195][196][197][198][199][200] Possessing good technique and ball control, Bale is also a free kick specialist, as evidenced with his two bending free kicks against Olympique Lyonnais.[201] He is known for employing the "knuckle ball" technique when taking free kicks.[202] As he moved further forward onto the wing, he began to score goals on a regular basis with powerful strikes from outside the penalty box.[203] In addition to his athletic and offensive capabilities, Bale has also drawn praise in the media for his work-rate and defensive contribution off the ball.[204]

As Bale has developed into one of the most dangerous left-wingers in the world, his style of play has won admiration from managers, current and past players such as Luís Figo,[205]José Mourinho,[206]Igor Štimac,[207] and Dani Alves.[208] Bale has been described as a footballer with "tremendous speed, great crossing ability, a great left foot and exceptional physical qualities".[209] Former Liverpool player and BBC football punditMark Lawrenson said in 2011: "What makes Gareth Bale so special? Simple. He is one of the quickest players I've ever seen, but he has another gear and the ability to find that extra pace within the next stride. He has the ability to perform and use his technique at great pace."[210]

Since joining Real Madrid, Bale has usually been deployed as a winger, but mostly on the right flank, due to the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo on the left, a position which enables him to cut into the centre and strike on goal with his stronger left foot;[214][215] he has also been used in a more attacking role on occasion, as a striker or centre forward,[216][217] courtesy of his goalscoring, movement off the ball, and ability to make attacking runs,[204][218] while his elevation, strength, and heading accuracy have seen him excel in the air in this role.[219][220][221][222][223][224] However, in spite of his playing ability, his playing time with Real Madrid in recent seasons has largely been limited by recurring injury struggles.[200][223][225]

Bale combines the height and build of an 800-metre runner like Steve Ovett with the acceleration and directness of a rugby winger like Bryan Habana. And, when he gets to the byline, he delivers curling crosses like a Brazilian. Big words? Yes, but that's what Bale is like – easily the greatest sensation in the opening month and a half of the Champions League. Ask Maicon what he thinks after the two exhibitions Bale turned in against Inter. Yesterday he left Maicon for dead and then a wily old fox like Lúcio was left in his wake like someone trying to follow the vapour trail of an aeroplane. Three goals and two assists – against the European champions. His performances have been stunning.[228]

Following Bale's two goals against Norwich City on 27 December 2011, manager Harry Redknapp said:

If we sell him, we've had it haven't we? It would only be a Barcelona, a Man City or a Real Madrid who would be able to pay for him. He's an amazing player. He's got everything, there's not a weakness in his make-up. He can head the ball, he's as strong as an ox, he can run, dribble and shoot. Most important of all, he's a smashing lad.[54][229]

Speaking at an interview in 2013, Manchester City fullback Micah Richards revealed that Bale was one of his toughest opponents he had ever faced, saying that:

"Normally I'm stronger or as fast as my opponent at least. But he was faster or the same speed, as strong as me and he was fitter than me. He gave me a torrid afternoon and I didn't know how to defend against him."[230]

Redknapp made even more positive comments regarding Bale in October 2012, stating that he is in the same class as both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He said:

"He's an amazing, amazing talent and he's after the Ronaldos and Messis of this world and he's getting better and better. He's almost unplayable when he's on his game. He is a genuine world-class player. There's nobody he couldn't play for. He'd improve any team."[231]

Bale has been accused of diving by sections of the British media.[232][233] However, this has been denied by Bale,[234] Redknapp[235] and Wales coach Chris Coleman.[236] On 29 December 2012, Bale picked up his third yellow card for simulation for the 2012–13 season. It was his fifth for simulation since the start of the 2011–12 season, and no other Premier League player had more than two cautions for simulation in that time.[237] Between August 2008 and his departure from the Premier League, he was booked eight times for simulation. The next most-booked players were shown three yellow cards each.[238] Bale was ranked twelfth on ESPN's list of the world's most famous athletes in 2016,[239] while The Guardian listed him as the seventh-best footballer on the planet in the same year.[240]

Outside football

Personal life

Bale lives in Madrid with his fiancée Emma Rhys-Jones, his high school sweetheart.[241][242]
Their first child, Alba Violet,[243] was born in Cardiff on 21 October 2012, and their second daughter, Nava Valentina, was born in the same city on 22 March 2016.[244] On 17 July 2016, a day after his 27th birthday, Bale announced that he and Rhys-Jones had got engaged.[245] On 9 March 2018, Bale announced that he and his fiancée were expecting their third child.[citation needed] Bale is teetotal.[246][247]

Bale has endorsed several companies in his career and has current deals with Adidas, EA Sports, Lucozade and BT Sport.[251][252] In 2014 he received a yearly salary of £15million with Real Madrid, while his endorsements earned him an estimated £10million per year.[253][254][bettersourceneeded] In March 2014, Bale was the first player to wear the Adidas F50 crazylight football boots.[255] In 2015 he unveiled the Adidas X15 football boots.[256]

Philanthropy

In November 2014, Bale appeared in FIFA's "11 against Ebola" campaign with a selection of top football players from around the world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Xavi and African star Didier Drogba.[258] Under the slogan "Together, we can beat Ebola", FIFA's campaign was done in conjunction with the Confederation of African Football and health experts, with the players holding up eleven messages to raise awareness of the disease and ways to combat it.[258]

Golf

Bale is a huge golf fan and has a replica of the 17th hole – the island Green – at TPC at Sawgrass in his back garden.[259] His love of golf was blamed by the Spanish media as the reason why he has spent so much time out injured for Real Madrid.[259]